For nearly seven years Tangle Lynn and Estevan — also known as Do ‘n Notes — have been behind the scenes at open stage nights from Bonnington to Balfour.
“It was quite a bit quieter than it is now,” said Estevan about the first open stage night at The Royal.
He had been hosting the open stage at the Dam Inn when he was approached to do the same at The Royal.
“I remember it being really cold. We had to play with fingerless gloves,” he said with a laugh.
Now he and Tangle Lynn invite musicians up on stage throughout the area four nights a week.
Tangle Lynn said they have seen a variety of acts from local favourites like Wassabi Collective to Pauline Lamb.
“We try to start things off more acoustic and build it up to be more electric by the end of the night,” said Tangle Lynn.
She became involved with the open stages about two years ago when she decided to get back into music after being away from it.
“I went to the Dam Inn and I met Estevan and I was really impressed by his show. I was also doing some jams at the Coconut Lounge and eventually someone asked if I was going to go to The Royal and I said no I wasn’t ready,” she said.
Tangle Lynn believes in what Estevan is doing and said it is really a community night.
“It’s a free event and what I think is so special about it is that it is a platform for people to share their songwriting or covers that mean a lot to them,” she said.
Even though the open stages are a great night for musicians, both Estevan and Tangle Lynn said it’s really a night for everyone.
“It’s a really great showcase of local talent and it’s a great show,” she said.
Unlike a jam night or an open mic night, Estevan and Tangle Lynn set up the whole stage with guitars, drums, bass and mics.
Jam sessions are at the performers’ discretion.
“Sometimes we get musicians who are in Nelson visiting and they want to come out and play but don’t have a guitar or a bass — well you can play Estevan’s bass,” said Tangle Lynn.
The duo host open stage nights starting Wednesday at The Royal, Thursday at the Dam Inn, Friday night at Balfour Beach Inn and Saturday at Chillers Pub. For more information visit donnotes.com
